Mt Kenya with Hell's Gate NP & Mt Longonot

Mt Kenya with Hell's Gate NP & Mt Longonot

The programme is our lengthiest Mt. Kenya climb. It packs in Hell’s Gate National Park and Mt Longonot, overlooking the Rift Valley Lakes, but still leaves time for acclimatisation and a chance to scramble to the remote outposts of Terere and Sendeo, before trekking to Point Lenana on the magnificent Mt. Kenya.

Outline Itinerary

For day-time arrivals, we recommend transferring to Mountain Rock Lodge, located at the foot of Mt Kenya and within easy reach of the Sirimon Gate climb start. For late arrivals, a more centrally-located Nairobi hotel will be the best choice. There are a range of options available.

NB. Hotel and airport transfers are not included in the trek price. Please contact our office for quotations.

Day 2: Hell’s Gate National Park

Meet with your driver & guide after breakfast and begin your journey into the Great Rift Valley, stopping en route at various vantage points. With its steep escarpments, volcanic mountains and lakes, the Rift Valley is a scenically beautiful region.

Journey through the Great Rift Valley and to Hell’s Gate National Park, where we set up camp on top of a cliff with a wonderful view of the valley below. This afternoon, embark on a game walk in the gorges, where you can hope to see zebra, giraffe, and a spectrum of other animals and birds. The walk is also an opportunity to explore the fascinating volcanic formations, geysers and hot springs that define this region, and give the park its name.

Return to camp in time for an early supper. The camp we set up will be a simple light mobile camp using mountain-style tents.

The hike to the crater rim on Mt Longonot’s summit will take around 4 hours (up and down), and serves a great taster for the bigger challenge to come – Mt Kenya! You’ll be accompanied by a park ranger and an experienced walking guide.

After a picnic lunch, drive on to Mountain Rock Lodge, in the foothills of Mt Kenya. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Day 4: Start of the Sirimon Route up Mt. Kenya. To Old Moses Camp.

Depart Mountain Rock Lodge after an early breakfast and drive to the Sirimon Park Gate (2,600m), crossing the equator en route.

From the park gate, hike for 3 hours through the forested foothills of Mt Kenya and into the alpine heath to reach Old Moses Camp (3,300m), where we pitch camp for the night. During this initial trek through Mt Kenya’s forested lowlands you can hope to see a mix of wildlife, such as forest elephant and zebra.

Day 5: To Shipton’s Camp

Continue up the spectacular Liki and Mackinder Valleys. This is an area of sprawling moorlands and beautiful high altitude plants, such as giant groundsel and lobelias.

At 4,985m, Lenana is the third highest of Mt. Kenya's summits, and the only one accessible to trekkers without mountaineering skills.

We should reach Lenana in time for sunrise, when the views are wonderful, with Kilimanjaro often visible 340km to the south. We then descend 2-3 hours to Hall Tarns/Mintos (4,300m) for a plentiful breakfast.

After breakfast, it’s a gentle hike down a broad ridge, enjoying magnificent views back up the valley to the snowy peaks.

A long, tough day is rewarded with a good night’s rest in the Meru Mt. Kenya Bandas.

Day 8: To Nairobi

Descend on a broad track through Chogoria Forest to meet the vehicle for the drive to Nairobi, usually arriving in the afternoon.